The 1960’s are referred to as the decade of African Independence because many African nations achieved formal independence during that time. However, the reality was much more complex, and in many cases, what followed was often described as neo-colonialism. The former colonial powers maintained significant control over African countries through economic, political, and military influence. No economic freedom, no political stability.
For instance, Belgian structures were left intact in DRC, with its economy depending on exporting raw materials to Brussels. Rwanda and Burundi had no other choice than exporting drinks (coffee and tea) to Belgium.
Worse, the governments inherited artificial borders, ethnic divisions, and fragile institutions, which made nation building incredibly difficult. This is the mess left behind by Belgium on July 1st, 1962.
For decades, Belgium’s government and its multinational corporations continued to exert influence through trade policies, loans, aid, and military alliances.
So, while African countries gained sovereignty on paper, true independence, economically and politically, has been an ongoing struggle. The 1960s were just the beginning of a long process of reclaiming agency in a world still shaped by colonial legacies.
The sad history of Belgium and the Great Lakes region was marked by exploitation, division, and a complex legacy of control even after formal independence. DRC and Burundi remained until today very dependent on Belgium foreign policy while Rwanda’s trajectory went a different way after 1994. Kigali cut the umbilical cordon at the big disappointment of Brussels. Belgians anger kept brewing since then.
In DRC, Belgium and King Leopold II massacred millions of African people. Their rule was infamous for brutal exploitation, forced labor, mutilations, and mass killings, especially linked to rubber extraction. Independence didn’t heal divisions but instead cemented ethnic politics. The successive Belgian governments infantilized Congolese people in such a way that even today any small decision is taken in Brussels.
This is why the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs was seen recently very active in Europe campaigning for sanctions against Rwanda. His reaction today on “X” was interesting: a desperate man who will be remembered in his country as the first minister in charge of diplomacy since a century, unable to build a respectful relationship with other countries. No doubt that many sleepless nights will haunt me for a while.
Today March 17th, 2025 will be marked as the D Day when Rwanda gained its “Agaciro Day” (Dignity day). Our country cannot tolerate being a neo-colony, in the hands of selfish, corrupt and incompetent Belgian politicians.
In many African countries, independence is an empty shell. They inherited a flag and an anthem, but the economic and political structures are still deeply tied to colonial powers.
The struggle for real independence continues and we believe that many other countries will follow the steps of Rwanda very soon, to overcome the long shadows of colonialism.
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